Sri Lanka Announces Young Squad for Women's Emerging Nations Trophy

Sri Lanka has unveiled its squad for the Women's Emerging Nations Trophy, featuring a youthful lineup led by Harshitha Samarawickrama. The absence of veteran Chamari Athapaththu signals a shift in leadership as the team prepares for the tournament in the UAE. With an average age of around 21, the squad aims to make a significant impact, showcasing emerging talents alongside experienced players. Key batting and bowling options have been highlighted, indicating a strong foundation for future competitions. Read on to discover the full squad details and insights into their preparations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 4, 2026, 23:09 IST

Squad Announcement and Leadership Changes

Sri Lanka has revealed its 14-member team for the Women's Emerging Nations Trophy, set to take place in the UAE from November 12 to 25. Notably, veteran all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu has been omitted from the squad, signaling a potential shift in leadership as Harshitha Samarawickrama steps in as captain, with Kavisha Dilhari serving as her deputy. Athapaththu has been a pivotal player in Sri Lanka's women's cricket history, and her absence marks a significant change for the team.

In addition to Athapaththu, several other players including Hansima Karunaratne, Anushka Sanjeewani, Nimasha Meepage, Kawya Kavindi, and Mithali Ayodhya have also been excluded from the Asian Games squad. New faces such as Sathya Sandeepani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Malki Madara, and Chethana Vimukthi have been selected.

Team Composition and Youth Focus

The squad showcases a youthful lineup, with an average age of approximately 21 years. Only three players—Nilakshika Silva (37), Sugandika Kumari (35), and Hasini Perera (31)—are over 30, while the rest are under 30. Despite the absence of Athapaththu, the batting lineup remains robust under the leadership of Samarawickrama.

Batting and Bowling Depth

Among the squad are 17-year-olds Sanjana Kavindi and Chamudi Praboda, with Kavindi entering the tournament after impressive performances, including three scores exceeding 50 in her last four T20 matches for Sri Lanka Under-19. Other batting options include Imesha Dulani, Vishmi Gunarathne, Dilhari, Hasini Perera, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana, and Sandeepani.

On the bowling front, Sri Lanka has selected three specialist seamers: Madara, Vimukthi, and Sewwandi. Sandeepani and Nilakshika also provide medium pace options. For spin, Sugandika Kumari and Chamudi Praboda will contribute, while Dilhari's off-spin adds further variety to the bowling attack.

Sri Lanka aims to make a strong impression in the tournament with this relatively young squad led by Samarawickrama. The full squad for the Emerging Nations Trophy includes: Harshitha Samarawickrama (captain), Kavisha Dilhari (vice-captain), Sanjana Kavindi, Imesha Dulani, Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Sathya Sandeepani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Sugandika Kumari, Chamudi Praboda, Malki Madara, and Chethana Vimukthi.